Seemor
Velvet TacoBWorth Trying
1110 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
· Taco restaurant, Mexican restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (4468 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Creative, late-night taco spot with bold fusion flavors and quick counter service; great variety and veg options, but cleanliness, delivery issues, and occasional cold tortillas hold it back.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Velvet Taco delivers bold, creative fusion tacos with generous fillings and friendly, attentive service that make it a solid neighborhood choice for late-night dining. However, inconsistent execution—cold tortillas and variable seasoning across visits—and limited seating with crowded conditions prevent it from reaching higher territory. The prime Gold Coast location and strong vegetarian options add appeal, but operational reliability gaps keep it competitive rather than exceptional.
Restaurant Summary
A buzzy, counter-service spot in the Gold Coast where the crowd skews post-bar and hungry, Velvet Taco trades in bold fusion tacos and quick turnarounds. Expect lines late at night, upstairs spillover seating, and a vibe that feels fun and energetic. As one diner put it, the cauliflower and tikka tacos were "packed with flavor," though a few called out cold tortillas and messy tables. The culinary approach leans contemporary fusion with global nudges: tikka-sauced chicken, chimichurri steak, and even a chicken-and-waffle tortilla. Fans love the generous fillings and playful mashups; purists sometimes find it too far from tradition. Portions are solid and the brisket and tikka options are frequent winners, while sides like elote and queso add extra heft to a quick meal. Families are well covered thanks to a real kids menu (tenders, quesadillas, tots) and familiar flavors. Vegetarian diners have multiple hits like beer-battered cauliflower and Nashville hot tofu. If bringing picky eaters, stick to straightforward items and skip the more adventurous builds.
At a Glance
- Creative, flavorful fusion tacos with big portions
- Strong vegetarian and kid options
- Cleanliness and cold tortilla complaints appear intermittently
- Delivery/refund issues when orders routed through third-party apps
- Late-night lines and limited seating; parking is difficult
What Sets It Apart
- late_night_hours
- creative_fusion_tacos
- dedicated_kids_menu
- weekly_feature_tacos
What People Love
- Playful fusion flavors that still eat like comfort food
- Brisket and tikka chicken tacos with generous fillings
- Fast service for a busy location
- Vegetarian lineup that feels like a main event
Points of Concern
- Cold or breaking tortillas show up in several complaints, especially during rushes
- Cleanliness of tables and crowded feel at peak times
- Delivery orders and refunds complicated by third-party platforms
- Isolated food safety alarms (foreign object, plastic) require vigilance
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$22-$36 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Beer Battered Cauliflower or Nashville Hot Tofu plus queso
- Kids: Chicken tenders and tots or cheese quesadilla
- Meat lovers: Brisket taco and Chimichurri steak bowl
Perfect For
- Post-bar late-night food runs
- Casual group hangs before or after the Rush/State scene
- Quick, creative lunch near Mariano Park
- Families wanting an easy counter-service dinner
Location Insights
Area: Upmarket nightlife and dining hub attracting bar-goers, shoppers, and visitors; lively especially late nights.
Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled nightlife zone; occasional late-night rowdiness.
Nearby: Steps from Rush/State nightlife near Mariano Park; heavy weekend foot traffic; limited street parking.
Gold CoastThe Gold Coast is an upscale neighborhood with a strong residential presence and a lively dining scene featuring a mix of high-end restaurants, trendy cafes, and classic Chicago eateries. The area is known for its elegant architecture, boutique shopping, and proximity to the lakefront, attracting both locals and visitors seeking a refined urban experience.
Old TownOld Town is a historic enclave within the Near North Side, known for its charming streets, bohemian vibe, and a diverse dining scene that includes casual bistros, gastropubs, and ethnic eateries. It offers a more relaxed and eclectic atmosphere compared to the Gold Coast.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–00:00
Tuesday11:00–00:00
Wednesday11:00–00:00
Thursday11:00–01:00
Friday11:00–04:00
Saturday11:00–04:00
Sunday11:00–00:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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